Radford University’s Dr. Jennifer Sutton McDonel, director of music education and professor, was appointed to the nationally-recognized Primrose Schools Early Learning Council, according to an announcement from the school.
Primrose schools are early education and care franchises for children and families in 29 states.
In this appointment, McDonel joins eleven other academics on the school’s advisory council, bringing expertise in education and child development health, human development, teacher training, literacy and well-being.
“Throughout her career, Dr. McDonel’s teaching and research has spanned across all ages, with a specific focus on the impact of early childhood music learning on children’s overall development,” the Primrose announcement said.
Dr. McDonel holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in music education from the Eastman School of Music and a doctorate degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She was also a faculty member and former executive director of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning.
Dr. McDonel will counsel Primrose Schools on the role music plays in early childhood development and how to further integrate music into its Balanced Learning curriculum.
